Faltering

Verb

Definition: To lose strength or momentum; to hesitate or waver.

Synonyms: Stumble, Waver, Hesitate, Flounder

Antonyms: Steady, Progress, Advance, Flourish

Examples:
  • She faltered in her speech as she struggled to remember her lines.
  • The company's sales began to falter after the economic recession.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of someone stumbling or hesitating while speaking.

Adjective

Definition: Showing weakness or lack of confidence.

Synonyms: Unsure, Hesitant, Shaky, Unsteady

Antonyms: Confident, Unwavering, Resolute

Examples:
  • His faltering voice betrayed his nervousness during the presentation.
  • The team's faltering performance led to their defeat.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine someone faltering while walking due to weakness or lack of confidence.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "falter" originated from Old English "fealterian" meaning "to stagger, totter." It is derived from Old Norse "faltrask" and has Indo-European roots.

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since Old English times and has maintained its basic meaning of stumbling or hesitating.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Faltering steps"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to hesitant or unsteady movements, usually indicating physical or emotional weakness.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "faltering" with "floodering."

Explanation:

"Floodering" is not a recognized word; the correct word is "faltering" for losing strength or momentum.

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